MESA CAFE TO BE SOLD

Friday, November 22, 2013

A sign has appeared at the Mesa Cafe & Bar (1972 Cliff Drive) indicating that the business is in the process of being sold. The sign says that the current manager of Mesa Cafe, Ramiro Elizalde, is the prospective new owner. Sources tell me that the deal may close on or around February 1, 2014 and that the liquor license, kitchen equipment and everything wall-to-wall is in the deal. Sources say that the new ownership might switch the restaurant to Mexican cuisine.

I find it hard to believe that the cuisine will be changed. People go there for the existing menu, portions and prices now. Why change something that works? The current manager is probably responsible for the Mesa Cafe’s success, so doubt he will change.

Is this the cafe that’s affiliated with Cody’s in Goleta? If so they are closing the wrong restaurant. Cody’s has become so bad that we won’t consider eating even breakfast there ( it’s always really Greasy and overcooked) send something back and the meatheads in the kitchen throw a big machismo fit! Do it right the first time! The Mesa location was a totaly different relaxed vibe and the food was very good. If this is a totaly different restaurant then kindly disregard my rant on awful Cody’s.

I don’t think anyone would be so clueless as to launch a Mexican restaurant a block away from the Rose Cafe, located in the next block. The Mesa Cafe is always packed with breakfast and lunch customers every day–virtually the only such “family” restaurant on the Mesa. Surely, no one would mess with a winning format that’s been so wildly successful for years.

The Mesa Cafe is not the best, but serves a niche. Many go there because it is close and the only place that serves basic Americian food. The best thing would be to improve the quality and not loose the faithful patrons. Another Mexician restaurant? I hear there is a shortage of those around here. People who want to sit down for a burger, Cobb or meat and mashed pototos will go down the hill. The question is, will people come up the hill for a new Mexican resturaunt? There is a lot of competition.

Please, don’t change anything. The Mesa Cafe is such a great place for families who want the kids to have something besides “fast food” and sit down at a real restaurant, and still be affordable. It’s a place where you can feel confident taking visiting family or friends knowing there will be something on the menu to please everyone at a price that’s reasonable. The service is friendly and fast and the servers are to be complimented for making you feel welcome. Mexican menu is good, but we have enough of those and not enough of Mesa Cafe as it is.